Graduating Student Leader award dinner cancelled

The 2020 Graduating Student Leader award dinner has
been cancelled as a result of COVID-19.

With all the uncertainty regarding COVID-19, the
dinner has not been rescheduled but Mary Duffley, Associate Director UNB Alumni
Office/Associated Alumni, says they hope to be able to select a later date for
the dinner.

“Students will be given certificates in UNB Diploma
Frames, so we hope we can at least do some sort of presentation ceremony,”
Duffley said. “We are very proud to continue the program and recognize the
significant contributions of our graduating student leaders. For me personally,
it is my favorite event of the year. I was here when it started, so it is very
special.”

The Graduating Student Leader award recognizes
students who have gone above and beyond with their voluntary contributions to
either their academic program or the UNB campus itself. Created in 2005, as a
collaboration between the UNB Alumni Office and the class executive of the day,
to acknowledge students who have made outstanding extracurricular contributions
to the UNB Saint John campus.

“It was sad to hear that it was cancelled, but I think
we all anticipated and understand why given the COVID-19 outbreak in the
province.” Cassie Hall, an award recipient, said. “Everyone’s safety definitely
comes first!”

Hall reminds students, regardless of the year they are
in, to really embrace their time at UNB because it goes by so quick. “Although
I’m sure the dinner would have been amazing, it would have been one night; the
memories I’ve made over the past four years will last a lifetime.” Hall said. “Getting
an award is great, but it’s the contribution [students] make that is the true
achievement!”

For any students interested in applying for this award
in future, there is an application available online here.
To qualify, you must be a graduating in the spring or fall of the award year,
be actively enrolled at UNB Saint John, maintain good academic standing at the
time of nomination and you must have done voluntary extracurricular activities within
the UNB campus or to your department or program.